networking

Twitter for Local Business?

Raritan Avenue last fall, near PJ's Coffee where BNCJ meets
Raritan Avenue last fall, near PJ's Coffee where BNCJ meets

On Tuesday I attended my first meeting of a local networking group, BNCJ. I found the other attendees friendly and informative, and I look forward to joining the organization. There was a lawyer, a home inspector, a contractor, a travel agent, a financial services representative and an stock broker. And me, the web designer! Or web builder, as I sometimes call it. Design is only a small part.

At one point I mentioned Twitter, and some of other people had never heard of it. “Twitter? Is that like Facebook?” Actually, it’s much easier to use, I responded. Instead of connecting with people you already know, it’s easy to meet new people. I cautioned them not to use Twitter for direct sales (you will get unfollowed fast if you are too pushy). The people I follow want to have intelligent discussions on a variety of topics.

Yesterday I posed the following question on Twitter:

"Question: can local biz (ex. contractor, plumber, doc, even hair dresser) use Twitter to grow biz? Thoughts?"

Shimon responded: “answer (IMO): yes if they have tips and promotions (like make up tips for women or computer coupons). Women oriented should b better”

liajen (aka Jennifer Fong) responded: “I believe it can. You just build your targeted niche through local searches (such as with twellow) & build relationships.”

What do you think? How can a local business use Twitter?

Networking Locally

Tweet Up February 26, 2009 at Panera in Piscataway
Tweet Up February 26, 2009 at Panera in Piscataway
Yesterday I attended my first TweetUp. What’s a TweetUp, you ask? Well, you know how I’ve been chirping chatting on and on about Twitter. And I blogged about connecting with New Jersey locals on Twitter. Yesterday I had the pleasure of meeting these people in person: @rongraham1 @ScottBradley @JerseyBites @annie_lr @K9Confections @mikeconaty @Alig7 @SusanLevinson @liajen @Eva_Abreu (organizer of the event!) as well as Paul Grzella and Skip Hidlay of the Home News Tribune.

And if this isn’t enough, Scott Wyden (who wasn’t at the TweetUp) is working on a New Jersey Twitter List. Live in New Jersey? Go sign up on Scott’s list!

Update, more local news: TweetUp FieldTrip @garyvee‘s Wine Library Mon3/23, 6PM Springfield NJ Twitvite: http://twtvite.com/5jy7l3